At CMG, our Senior Advisors play a pivotal role in elevating the guidance we provide to founder- and family-led businesses. Their real-world experience, industry depth, and strategic insight help us deliver thoughtful, informed advice throughout every stage of a transaction.
Today, we’re excited to spotlight Kris Kolstad, a seasoned aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing and lean operations leader with more than 30 years of hands-on operating experience.
Kris is currently the Managing Partner at Katahdin Partners, supporting small and mid-sized businesses with a focus on pre-sale preparation, strategy, leadership/mentorship, and revenue growth. Separately, he provides buy-side advisory and origination services for private equity firms through Andra Partners. Kris’ executive leadership, manufacturing experience, and engineering background provides a unique perspective on strategy and value creation throughout the M&A process.
Before Katahdin, Kris was the Vice President of M&A for Kaman Corporation, leading the publicly traded company’s strategy and corporate development. He architected the companies vision and growth for its Engineered Products and Specialty Bearings division including organic and acquisitive growth. Kris completed a number of deals including the acquisition of Bal Seal Engineering, Kaman’s largest and most acretive deal. Other roles at Kaman include Vice President of Kaman Aerospace, where he managed Strategy, Business Development, and Product Development – growing revenue from $95M to over $500M. At Collins Aerospace, Kris was Program Manager of key systems for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner commercial jet, providing leadership, planning, program management, and oversight of the design, development, and qualification testing to support FAA certification.